For Children

For Children

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontic specialist around age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for Dr. Whetten to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and ideally without extractions.

Early (interceptive) treatment allows Dr. Whetten to:

Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw

Manage the width of the upper and lower arches

Create more space for crowded teeth to help the permanent teeth come in straight

Does your child need orthodontic treatment?

It may not be easy for you to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment. A consultation with Dr. Whetten may be indicated if you see one or more of the following:

Crowded or blocked front teeth around age seven or eight

Early or late loss of baby teeth

Finger or thumb sucking

A hard time chewing or biting food

Mouth breathing

Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing

Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all

Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face

If you notice any of these things, please contact Dr. Whetten to schedule an orthodontic evaluation at our Las Vegas orthodontic office. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.